The mother of teen Daniel Sheppard who went missing on New Year’s Day 28 years ago has died

Daniel Sheppard’s mother has died without answers on her son’s disappearance after he went missing 28 years ago on New Year’s Day.

The mother of missing teen Daniel Sheppard has died after a 28-year-long heart-wrenching search for answers on his disappearance.

19-year-old Daniel, from West Lakes, went missing on New Year’s Day 1995 after celebrating the new year the night before with his twin brother and friends.

A statement provided to The Advertiser by the Sheppard family said Pat Sheppard, 91, was a “pillar of strength” and they hope she is now reunited with her beloved son.

“As a mother she endured pain that no parent should ever have to face and spent her whole life grieving and missing Daniel,” it read.

“Yet throughout the grief and heartache she remained a pillar of strength and a beloved mother and devoted and fun and loving grandmother to our family.

“Her loss leaves a hole that is irreplaceable.

“We hope that she is reunited with our beloved Daniel. Both Pat and Daniel will live on in our hearts forever.”

The family thanked the community for the “outpouring of love and support” they have received and said they will continue to fight to get justice for Daniel.

Another statement, posted to the ‘Missing Person – Daniel Sheppard’ Facebook page on Thursday confirmed the news.

“Daniel’s mum Pat passed away yesterday,” it said.

“I really hope she is now reunited with Daniel … we will miss you and love you forever.

“Till we meet again.”

Pat Sheppard with daughters Denise and Jennifer. Picture: File.

Daniel's sister Kazzy Gray, also known as Denise Scarborough, commented on the post saying that her family have spent a huge part of their lives “grieving for Daniel”.

“It never goes away. It’s every day, every night,” she said.

“My poor Mum had to go through the agonising grief. No mother should ever have to.

“She is now in heaven with Daniel.”

Daniel then vanished after getting off a train at Port Adelaide only a 10 minute walk from his home.

In 2005 South Australian coroner Mark Johns ruled that it was most likely Daniel had died.

He said he came to the conclusion on the basis that Daniel’s mother or twin brother would have heard from him in the past 10 years if he was alive.

“I am entitled to assume that Mr Sheppard’s disappearance is attributable to the … fact he is dead,” he said.

Daniel Sheppard disappeared on January 1 1995. Picture: File Photo

18-year-old Daniel with cat Jade. Picture: File

The family recently posted their shock on reaching the 28 year mark without any answers on Daniel’s disappearance.

“We miss Daniel so much! We love him so much. Our lives changed irreparably from the loss of Daniel,” the statement said.

The Sheppard family still have no answer or leads about what happened to Daniel all those years ago.

David Sheppard, Daniel’s nephew, previously spoke to The Advertiser and said he and family members met a woman who claims she heard the missing teen yelling and had phoned police hours before anyone knew he was missing.

Mr Sheppard said the family are of the belief Daniel was likely the victim of predatory sex attackers.